It is important to prevent injury that might cause the spleen to rupture. You should avoid contact sports.
Your doctor or nurse will tell you what else you need to do to take care of yourself and any medical condition.
Call your health care provider if
There are usually no symptoms from an enlarged spleen. However, some people have pain in the left upper section of the belly area. You should medical help right away if it is severe or gets worse when you take a deep breath.
What to expect at your health care provider's office
The health care provider will ask questions about your symptoms and medical history.
A physical exam will be done. This will include feeling your abdomen (belly area). The health care provider will tap (percuss) along the left upper part of your abdomen and feel (palpate) in that same area, especially just under the rib cage.
Tests that may be done include:
Abdominal x-ray, ultrasound, or CT scan
Blood tests such as a CBC and tests of your liver function
This list is not all-inclusive.
References
Armitage JO. Approach to the patient with lymphadenopathy and splenomegaly. In: Goldman L, Schafer AI, eds. Cecil Medicine. 24th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Saunders Elsevier; 2011:chap 171.
Review Date:
2/19/2012
Reviewed By:
David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.
